The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is becoming a key player in the international trend towards development of renewable energy resources and energy efficiency, as renewables now account for 23.5% of generation in the region.
The SADC Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Report, jointly published by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation and the Renewable Policy Network for the 21st Century, states that SADC countries aim to increase renewable energy contribution to electricity supply to 27% in 2020 and 29% in 2030.
As a result, attracting investment is becoming easier as interest in Africa and in renewable energy increases, says the report.
Six SADC member states – Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe –
are ranked as being attractive to investors. Mauritius, South Africa and Tanzania accounted for $5.8 billion in 2014, with South Africa alone accounting for $5.5 billion.